What is BS 8243 about?
BS 8243 gives recommendations for the design, installation and configuration of intruder and hold-up alarm systems (I&HAS) that incorporate alarm confirmation technology, where such I&HAS have signalling systems that signal to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) and requires a police response.
Who is BS 8243 for?
BS 8243 on design, installation and configuration of intruder and hold-up alarm systems is relevant to:
- Safety and security management companies
- Manufacturers and suppliers of alarm systems
- Security personnel in residential, commercial and industrial buildings/sites installing I&HAS
- Alarm receiving centres
- Insurance industry
- Police
- Specifiers
Why should you use BS 8243?
Alarm systems are an effective safety devices that can protect individuals and property from the a wide range of hazards such as burglary, vandalism amongst others.
BS 8243 includes recommendations on design of intruder and hold-up alarm systems intended to minimize the likelihood of false alarms.
BS 8243 provides an effective confirmation facility so that the alarm receiving centre (ARC) will receive confirmed alarms.
BS 8243 helps protect premises against unauthorised access, damage or any other threat.
Overall, BS 8243 increases confidence and trust in I&HAS that complies with the standard. As it is cited within National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) policy, which requires alarms to be confirmed in order to qualify for a police response, complying with BS 8243 can further enhance the reliability and credibility of your product for end-users.
BS 8243 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure because it underwrites the resilience of infrastructure.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 8243:2021 supersedes BS 8243:2010+2014, which will be withdrawn on 30 June 2022.
BS 8243:2021 has the following principal changes :
- The previous provision for all intruders and hold-up alarms systems (I&HAS) to include sequential confirmation is now optional
- Confirmation of hold-up alarm (HUA) by telephone call back by an alarm receiving centre (ARC) is now permitted only for residential premises
- Confirmation procedures have changed to accommodate the different processes relating to sequential confirmation or where the confirmation status is decided at an ARC